January 14

Wednesday, while Remi reluctantly stayed home awaiting surgery for a torn ACL, I hiked a nature trail at the 131-acre, Pine River Recreation Club, located 8 miles west of Alma near the small village of Elm Hall. The early morning weather was mostly cloudy, very cold with a temperature of -3 degrees and no wind. From the parking lot, a club member joined me as we followed a snow-covered trail west through a tunnel of evergreens including pine and spruce. Despite not seeing or hearing any wildlife, there were signs of their presence including, fresh rabbit scat and deer tracks. Scattered squirrel holes reminded me that these creatures have the ability to distinguish their personal food cache from others by smell and spatial memory. Continuing west, we came to an area where I was surprised to learn Prickly Pear Cacti are found although now hidden under the snow. Having seen some on a hike a few weeks ago in southern California, I was further surprised to learn that they’re native to Michigan. Up ahead, we paused to notice that the main channel of the Pine River was not only frozen over but also well hidden under the snow. Finally, we turned around and retraced our steps back to the cars for our trip home.

Nowhere else I’d rather be

Nothing is better than this

Winter’s white welcomes me

Woods walk, hour of bliss

Overhanging evergreens

Cares and worries far away

Under snow, wildlife hides

All around, nature’s display

Silence fills a scenic forest

Time to relax and unwind

Nourishment for the soul

Exercise for body and mind

D. DeGraaf